How to Choose a Laptop for a Senior – DIY in 5 Ep 265
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11.02.24 – 11 2194:47Опубликовано 28 декабря 2025, 14:00
We stereotype old people as being bad with tech, but those retiring today were the ones less than halfway through their careers when Windows 95 arrived and home computer ownership exploded. This generation of retirees are the most tech-savvy seniors ever and deserve hardware to suit their needs. Let’s make sure they get it. What are seniors’ specific needs for laptops that we should consider when shopping around?
Common uses
Generally, seniors will use their laptops for video calls, web browsing, streaming content, email, social media, shopping, and light paperwork. All of these tasks indicate certain hardware or software needs to consider, from a quality webcam and mic to secure web browsers and anti-malware.
Hardware needs
With bumps, drops, and spills possibilities to account for, matters like weight and durability are particularly important for seniors’ laptops. A weight of four pounds or under will mean it’s easier to transport the laptop, either by hand or in a case. Screen sizes are ideally a compromise between this emphasis on portability and visibility, with 15-17” the approximate sweet spot. OLED displays are preferred to LED displays for their reduced blue-light emissions and flicker, meaning less eye strain. A screen protector can also reduce scratches.
A strong battery life is desirable for users intending to play video or make video calls for hours. Anything around ten hours is a good target. Quality speakers are a must for anyone intending to stream significant video or make many video calls.
Cutting-edge specs aren’t as essential, since it’s less likely that a 70-year old will be playing triple-A games (though respect to those who are). Try an Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. SSDs are better than hard disk drives in this instance since they resist drops and bumps better than their mechanical counterparts.
Seniors might want an optical drive for playing CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Rays. While it’s infrequent that new laptops come with this feature, refurbished laptops might have this option. The most straightforward solution, though, is a USB optical drive, which are inexpensive and simple to use.
Accessibility
Ways to make a laptop more user-friendly for seniors include ergonomic keyboards, responsive touchpads with adjustable sensitivity, and a simple user interface with straightforward navigation to commonly-used features like web browsers, streaming platforms, email, video calling, and online shopping. USB ports for headphones and/or a headphone jack can help those who’re hard of hearing. Other ports to check for: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be there as standard, while HDMI is a nice-to-have.
Software needs
Most important is that whatever laptop you get, the operating system can be configured for accessibility purposes. Next most important: a secure and reliable web browser. The senior in your life probably already has an email client they prefer, but they may need a new word processor, spreadsheet app, or calendar app for everyday use. If they’re planning on taking or editing many photos, there are programs out there to suit their purposes. Many of these software needs can be approached post-purchase, though.
Software is less on an issue than hardware, so prioritize finding a computer that meets most or all of the intended user’s hardware needs. Certain hardware shortfalls (like storage or speakers) are easy to solve with peripherals. It should be easier for you to choose a laptop for your senior without breaking the piggybank with this in mind.
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0:00 Intro
0:33 Common uses
1:00 Hardware needs
2:45 Accessibility
3:18 Software needs
Common uses
Generally, seniors will use their laptops for video calls, web browsing, streaming content, email, social media, shopping, and light paperwork. All of these tasks indicate certain hardware or software needs to consider, from a quality webcam and mic to secure web browsers and anti-malware.
Hardware needs
With bumps, drops, and spills possibilities to account for, matters like weight and durability are particularly important for seniors’ laptops. A weight of four pounds or under will mean it’s easier to transport the laptop, either by hand or in a case. Screen sizes are ideally a compromise between this emphasis on portability and visibility, with 15-17” the approximate sweet spot. OLED displays are preferred to LED displays for their reduced blue-light emissions and flicker, meaning less eye strain. A screen protector can also reduce scratches.
A strong battery life is desirable for users intending to play video or make video calls for hours. Anything around ten hours is a good target. Quality speakers are a must for anyone intending to stream significant video or make many video calls.
Cutting-edge specs aren’t as essential, since it’s less likely that a 70-year old will be playing triple-A games (though respect to those who are). Try an Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. SSDs are better than hard disk drives in this instance since they resist drops and bumps better than their mechanical counterparts.
Seniors might want an optical drive for playing CDs, DVDs, or Blu-Rays. While it’s infrequent that new laptops come with this feature, refurbished laptops might have this option. The most straightforward solution, though, is a USB optical drive, which are inexpensive and simple to use.
Accessibility
Ways to make a laptop more user-friendly for seniors include ergonomic keyboards, responsive touchpads with adjustable sensitivity, and a simple user interface with straightforward navigation to commonly-used features like web browsers, streaming platforms, email, video calling, and online shopping. USB ports for headphones and/or a headphone jack can help those who’re hard of hearing. Other ports to check for: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi should be there as standard, while HDMI is a nice-to-have.
Software needs
Most important is that whatever laptop you get, the operating system can be configured for accessibility purposes. Next most important: a secure and reliable web browser. The senior in your life probably already has an email client they prefer, but they may need a new word processor, spreadsheet app, or calendar app for everyday use. If they’re planning on taking or editing many photos, there are programs out there to suit their purposes. Many of these software needs can be approached post-purchase, though.
Software is less on an issue than hardware, so prioritize finding a computer that meets most or all of the intended user’s hardware needs. Certain hardware shortfalls (like storage or speakers) are easy to solve with peripherals. It should be easier for you to choose a laptop for your senior without breaking the piggybank with this in mind.
Got questions about the video or Kingston products? COMMENT or contact us on SOCIAL MEDIA:
Twitter: twitter.com/kingstontech
Instagram: instagram.com/kingstontechnolo...
Facebook: facebook.com/kingstontechnolog...
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kingston
SUBSCRIBE for more DIY in 5 videos, and receive updates on the latest in Kingston’s memory & storage development, plus guides on getting peak performance from your hardware:
youtube.com/channel/UCLlmpSSdR...
0:00 Intro
0:33 Common uses
1:00 Hardware needs
2:45 Accessibility
3:18 Software needs
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